And O'Driscoll, one of the superstars in world rugby, says a move to Heineken Cup aces Llanelli Scarlets would appeal to him.

"Year in, year out Llanelli manage to make it to the Heineken Cup knockout stages.

"There would certainly be no harm in playing for them." O'Driscoll told The Western Mail.

O'Driscoll spelt out his wish to come here as he opened up on his admiration for the renewed buzz in Welsh rugby - at regional and international level.

His comments follow days of speculation linking O'Driscoll with a move out of Ireland, his contract with the Irish RFU being up at the end of the season.

European kings Toulouse and Leicester are believed to be considering bids for the brilliant centre's services.

But O'Driscoll, Ireland's new captain in the Six Nations this season, stressed money would not be the only criteria in deciding his destination if he leaves Leinster.

And his admission that he is prepared to come to Wales will put Llanelli on red alert - as well as the big-spending Gwent Dragons and the Celtic Warriors.

"I would have to see where other clubs want to be and what ambitions they have," said O'Drsicoll, when quizzed about who he wants to join.

"It is not a Dutch auction," said the Irish ace.

"It is what they have got to offer as regards ambition."

The Scarlets fit the bill for O'Driscoll who compared Llanelli to crack Irish province and twice-European finalists Munster.

"The Scarlets are like them - they look a really solid side. They are just a hard-working team who play with no frills. You have to respect that," said O'Driscoll.

The Scarlets, Celtic Warriors and Gwent Dragons know that capturing 25-year-old O'Driscoll, who has scored 21 tries in 46 Tests for Ireland, would be a massive coup and guarantee massive crowds.

Already Dragons' boss Tony Brown has made a statement of intent by signing the golden boy of South African rugby Bobby Skinstad this season.

Last year, Bridgend boss Leighton Samuel, who is also in charge of the Warriors, was ready to shell out big money on New Zealand points machine Andrew Mehrtens.

"I have been talking to clubs in a number of countries," said O'Driscoll, before revealing he had consulted Colin Charvis about conditions in France. "I talked to Charv, and he seems to be enjoying his time in France."

O'Driscoll was adamant it would not hinder his standing with the Irish selectors - or the public in the Emerald Isle - if he chose to move to Wales, France or England.